BMR/TDEE question

FireStorm1972

Ok for last 5 months I set my daily intake at 1500 calories knowing that was a minimal for males. At the time I weighed 265lbs now down to 195lbs. As per BMR and TDEE calculations my BMR is 1745 and my TDEE is 2628 for my exercise level at my current weight. Should I be eating at least my BMR daily for my body functions? Where as my TDEE is more like my maintenance calories? With my weight loss over the months I can't tell if I've loss any lean body mass but from what I read is that maybe my 1500 daily calorie may be a little extreme? Any advice is greatly appreciated 8)